Jordan's 100 gallon FOWLR

[jmay33]

I'm planning my 100 gallon reef. The tank is still very dirty (turtles) and sitting in my fish room. Plus, I am in school full time, so I don't have much time or money. So this is going to be a lot of research and a small amount of progress starting out.

Right now, I'm trying to decide on lights. It's a 6 foot tank. I'm seriously considering LEDs. Does anyone have any suggestions on good lights? What is the price range I will be looking at for high quality lights that will grow all corals? I am just now interested in LED lighting, so I don't know what my options are.

Thank you in advance!

 

[aadair22]

Tao tronics... Look up amazon for them

 

[TommyP]

These are the ones I bought. My tank is 4ft so I bought these 2 units. You may need 3 or 4 for a 6ft tank - I'm not sure - someone will probably chime in.

Dimmable 120W Aquarium Coral Reef Fish Tank White Blue LED Light Black US | eBay

 

[apet66]

Subscribed. I'll help where I can. Taotronics seems to be the best bang for your buck. Search: lighting your reef... best bang four your buck.

 

[aadair22]

Taos are great, I got two for my 55 and they are awesome.. I have a monti cap existing with growth, a birdsnest branching out and softies growing great.. The dimmable part is awesome to. Separate chords for the blue and white so easy to use with timers and finding a color temp you like.. Very strong to, you can keep anything you want under them

 

[jmay33]

Thanks everyone. If I were to get taotronics, how many of them would I have to buy for a 6 ft tank? And how often would I have to replace them?

 

[aadair22]

What are the dimensions of the tank? They cover a good 24 inches so there's a reference.. As far as changing, you won't have have to worry about that for at least a few years

 

[jmay33]

What are the dimensions of the tank? They cover a good 24 inches so there's a reference.. As far as changing, you won't have have to worry about that for at least a few years

Awesome. It's 72" long and 18" deep.

 

[aadair22]

Then 3 should be good

 

[jmay33]

Then 3 should be good

Alright. So if I was looking at the right ones it should be about $500?

 

[TommyP]

Should be about $450 w. free shipping. If you buy 2 together like the one I posted its about $288 and a third separate would be about $150-160

 

[Ingy]

Because the 100 is such a shallow tank, I think you might get away with just 2 lights hung a bit higher for the 3' spread.

 

[jmay33]

Should be about $450 w. free shipping. If you buy 2 together like the one I posted its about $288 and a third separate would be about $150-160

Awesome. Thanks! I'm looking forward to seeing yours all set up. I know I mostly creep, but I do keep up with your thread. Lol.

Because the 100 is such a shallow tank, I think you might get away with just 2 lights hung a bit higher for the 3' spread.

Cool. I may as well try that. I can always add an extra light if I need one.

Is it better to build braces to hold them over the tank or to hang them from the ceiling? I could post a picture of the back of my stand if that would help.

 

[TommyP]

Awesome. Thanks! I'm looking forward to seeing yours all set up. I know I mostly creep, but I do keep up with your thread. Lol.



haha thanks i appreciate it. I cant wait to get them they will arrive friday. I ordered them yesterday - pretty quick shipping for free. I'll be posting up pics when I get them. I just gotta figure out how high to hang them and how to hang them lol

 

[jmay33]

Lol. That's how I feel already and my tank isn't even set up. I'm already worried about torching everything. That is really fast shipping for free. Do they sell lights on the regular? I might would buy from that buyer if you have a good experience.

 

[TommyP]

I would assume so. I have been checking back and forth for a couple of months since I came across them on the best bang for your buck thread. I just didn't want to drop 300 on lights for a fish tank. I love the hobby but have no money to put into this tank. Then I realized that I can put more corals in the tank with the leds and have them thrive and be more successfull. Also, it's more energy effecient and I dont have to swap out bulbs.

 

[jmay33]

I would assume so. I have been checking back and forth for a couple of months since I came across them on the best bang for your buck thread. I just didn't want to drop 300 on lights for a fish tank. I love the hobby but have no money to put into this tank. Then I realized that I can put more corals in the tank with the leds and have them thrive and be more successfull. Also, it's more energy effecient and I dont have to swap out bulbs.

Yeah. I understand that. That's how I feel. I've promised myself that I am going to get quality for this tank so I'm going to have to save up for the nice stuff. Lol.

 

[jmay33]

I haven't thought much about stocking. What kind of tangs would go well in a 6 foot tank? And do tangs need to go into a well established tank? I want to thoroughly research everything before I make any decisions. I figured asking for recommendations here is a great place to start.

 

[TommyP]

Most tangs do very well in a 6' tank because it gives them sufficient swimming room. If you introduce more than 1 tang to the tank make sure it's done at the same time. Check compatibility. As long as you acclimate the fish properly, it doesn't have to go into a well established tank. Just make sure the params and temp match and you'll be fine. They like meaty foods as well as a mixed diet of greens/nori.

 

[jmay33]

Most tangs do very well in a 6' tank because it gives them sufficient swimming room. If you introduce more than 1 tang to the tank make sure it's done at the same time. Check compatibility. As long as you acclimate the fish properly, it doesn't have to go into a well established tank. Just make sure the params and temp match and you'll be fine. They like meaty foods as well as a mixed diet of greens/nori.

I'm thinking maybe a yellow tang and a powder blue tang? Thanks for the info.